The Dirtiest Beaches in America

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Planning a seaside getaway this weekend? Read this first. According to a new report from the Natural Resources Defense Council, 10 percent of U.S. coastal and lake beaches fail to meet safety standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency. What that means: The water at your local beach could be contaminated with human or animal waste, which contains bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens that put your health at serious risk.

The report says that the largest contributor to this contamination has historically been stormwater pollution, but untreated sewage spills and overflows may also be to blame. Of the nearly 3,500 samples taken, these are the “dirtiest” beaches in the country, which have been “repeat offenders” with serious water pollution problems:

If you’re worried about your local beach, keep in mind that states must test waters for bacteria levels. If levels are too high, the beach may be closed or people may be advised not to swim. Find the full report and more information on how environmental agencies preventing further pollution here.

Is your go-to beach on the clean or dirty list? Tell us in the comments below or tweet us @Shape_Magazine.